Nollywood actress, Nnenna Rachael Okonkwo is famous for her role in
Nkoli Nwa Nsukka, a movie series which has run up to six parts. Born in
Enugu State, Nkoli Nwa Nsukka as she is popularlycalled, began her journey into the movie industry in 2005 in a dynamic off and on phases, a story she shared with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma in this interview.
How did your journey into the movie industry begin?
It began in 2005 when I officially joined Nollywood. I acted in about 7 movies and stopped. The experience was terrible for me. I then joined the music industry as a dancer. I danced so much that people started calling me ‘oteegwu’[Igbo: great dancer] because I appeared in most gospel music videos in the market then. I went back to Nollywood and continued acting and eventually the movie,“Nkoli Nwa Nsukka” came and gave me the break.
Did you ever encounter sexual harassment in the beginning?
No, I did not, and I have not. It is not the way people talk about it.
I don’t want to talk about it. But, simply put, not many people believed in me in the beginning. So, it was difficult.
Were your parents in support?
I lost my father at the age of 13. My mother did not support my acting career initially because she felt I was not on the right track. But after she saw my potential, she became my biggest fan and supporter. Her prayers and that of my siblings and fans keep me going.
With your father’s demise, how was growing up for you?
It was not rosy at all after he died. I hawked corn, groundnut and did all manner of menial jobs to survive and helped my family. But I did not lose focus.
In that state, did you see yourself becoming famous?
Not really, even though I always believed in myself, fame actually took me unawares. I had no idea I will be where I am today. I give God all the glory.
You are famous for your role in the movie series, Nkoli Nwa Nsukka. What was your initial challenge interpreting the role?
Before Nkoli, I had done Olamma, the Cripple, King Harold, and Marine Daughters among others. So, when I got the script after the audition, I was nervous and curious at the same time. I didn’t see myself as a comedian or someone who could play a comic character, so that was the initial challenge. But when we started shooting, the director had to work on me; and I got better scene after scene.
You once said that not many people thought you would make it the industry because you weren’t tall enough and rich. Were these part of the difficulties you faced?
Yes, but that is in the past now.
Can you share one of your best moments as an actress?
How do you deal with stubborn fans?
I try to manage them very well because I see them as my well-wishers. Without people like them, we won’t feel appreciated. God will always bless my fans for me.
Any embarrassing moment with a fan you can’t forget?
Yes o. I came out of my car to enquire something from someone and on noticing I was the one, the young man jumped up and kissed me right on my lips. And this happened in a traffic jam; so, many people saw it. I can’t forget that day in a hurry. I felt so embarrassed that I felt like disappearing from there. It was one of those things.
Property management; I buy and sell properties.
You organise a carnival every Easter for children. How was this year’s?
The 2018 Nkoli Nwa Nsukka Children’s Easter Carnival was awesome. We expected no fewer than 20,000 children this year. We had thousands of gifts for them, bicycles, school bags, food items, clothes, books and other learning materials. It took place at the Government Field, Nsukka and this year’s edition was the best ever. God has been awesome in my life and that is why I took it to the next level. Everything was double, double as it is said in local parlance.
This is the third edition. What is the motivation for the annual event?
It is my way of giving back to the society after all that God has been doing for me. Since Nkoli Nwa Nsukka came out people have been showing me love. I appreciate all they have done and still do for me. This is my own way of saying, thank you. I also want to thank Aqua Rapha, Eforevo TV and Royal Edge Celebration among others for supporting and sponsoring the carnival over the years.
Do you intend to bring it to Lagos some day?
Yes. The next one is likely going to be in Lagos. So, let’s see as it goes.
You love kids apparently, but how many kids do you intend to have?
As many as God gives me.
When should we expect the wedding bells to ring?
As soon as Oyim (Igbo: my fiancé) is ready for us to walk down the aisle (laughs).
Are you currently in a relationship?
Yes.
How do you assess men for intimate relationship?
The one that understands me more than all the men in the world, (laughs) the one that understands the nature of my job and is hardworking and has the fear of God in him will mostly qualify. I know, no man is perfect but kudos to those who try.
Have you ever been heartbroken?
Yes.
How did you deal with it?
I picked up the pieces of my heart and moved on (laughs). You know how it feels watching someone you so much cherish leave you probably for another girl but thank God someone better has taken the place.
What makes Rachael different?
She doesn’t try to be like anyone else. She believes in the uniqueness of man and wishes everyone well because she doesn’t believe in competition.
Before you joined the movie industry, were there actresses you looked up to?
Yes. I looked up to Genevieve and still look up to her because she has lasted in the industry and is still holding it down. She is indeed an icon. I love and respect Tonto Dike very much. She is strong and passionate about her career. I can’t forget her words of encouragement the first time I worked with her. Funke Akindele is another actress I admire so much. She is in her own world and I respect her for that. Angelina Jolie is a role model too.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by God, kids and love for humanity. Nothing gives me joy like touching lives positively.
Do you plan to go into movie production?
Yes, but not anytime soon. Right time, I want to concentrate on my acting career.
What makes you cry?
Worship songs because they remind me of God’s goodness in my life. I can be so emotional with such songs.
What do you think should be done to take Nollywood higher?
We need more investors. Funding has been a major challenge. Marketing is another challenge but with proper funding and monitoring of the market, we can take the industry to the next level. Shout out to those who have remained steadfast in the game. The industry keeps getting better by the day.
What has fame deprived you of?
The same old me. I am trying to be the same old me, but it is getting difficult by the day.